S.K. BHARGAVA vs THE COLLECTOR, CHANDIGARH & ORS.

The Supreme Court held that the Collector's action against the appellant, a former Director of a company, under the Haryana Public Moneys (Recovery of Dues) Act, 1979, was unjustified as the appellant was not afforded an opportunity to be heard. The Court emphasized the necessity of due process under Section 3(3) of the Act, ruling that liability cannot be imposed without proper notice and hearing. Consequently, the Court set aside the High Court's decision, reinforcing the principle of natural justice in administrative proceedings.